Guide to Wingfoil in Bonaire with SIC Maui rider Terence Clappers

Bonaire, island in the Netherlands Antilles, with its warm waters, steady winds, and stunning scenery, has become a dream destination for wingfoilers. To dive deeper into this unique spot, TotalWing caught up with Terence Clappers, a passionate rider and young ambassador for the sport. Wingfoil instructor and SIC Maui Team Rider, Terence shares with us insights on Bonaire’s thriving wingfoil community, the best spots to ride, and why this island should be on every wingfoiler’s bucket list.

Hi Terence, and welcome to TotalWing! First of all, a quick introduction. Can you tell me a bit about your rider life and your connection with Bonaire?

Thank you for having me, it’s a pleasure. Wingfoiling has been my addiction since 2021 and since then it became my passion gliding on the beautiful water of Bonaire. As a kid, I was always drawn to the water, fishing, swimming and windsurfing. I was consistently active in water sports.

In 2023, I got introduced with SIC Maui Wingfoil Team and it was totally a success. So at that point I started improving a lot in wingfoiling.
Bonaire deliver amazing conditions which allows me to train a few hours a day to stay competitive. Being able to compete at high speed and feeling the wind power is my adrenaline. Bonaire is my Home, and I’m really proud to represent our Flag.

How has the sport and the local wingfoil community grow in Bonaire ?

Wingfoiling has expanded really quickly on the island of Bonaire, wich also made a big impact on the locals to get in to the wingfoil sport. I mean, it’s so nice to see new kids as upcoming wingfoilers. It became a lot more fun having a lot of locals wingfoiling and still learning on one of the best spot in the world. At the moment, it’s still growing slowly.

What conditions are usually encountered in Bonaire ?

Bonaire is 29 degrees Celsius so it’s warm with cool blue waters, and it’s always sunny. The island gives positive energy, surrounded by kind people and beautiful atmosphere. Bonaire delivers 15-24 knots on a good day with nice flat waters and wind makes the glide super smooth.

For those wishing to learn wingfoil in Bonaire, which schools do you recommend?

Everybody should come to Bonaire for the best wingfoil lessons in the world! TheFransParadise is the best wingfoil school with the best instructors such as myself and the one and only Tonky Frans. The Frans Paradise provides you with the best quality lessons and experience.

What gear do you recommend taking on holiday in Bonaire?

Holidays is one of the best season in Bonaire for wingfoiling! Bonaire delivers between 18-25 knots of wind. I would go out on my 4.0 Raptor Wing with my 4.11 Raptor Pro board, and the 900 mast for full power racing. During the holidays, I would bring 5.5 as the biggest wing and 900 as the largest frontwing.

And if we come without gear, where do you recommend we hire wingfoil equipment in Bonaire?

The best place to rent wingfoil equipment would be TheFransParadise. They will provide you with the best equipments such as Duotone, Vayu wing, Tabou, Ullman wing, GA Foils. Different board sizes such as big and small boards.

In your opinion, what are the best wingfoil spots in Bonaire?

One of the best spot for wingfoiling would be Sorobon beach in front of The Frans Paradise. Flat waters in combination with strong wind leaves you with the best wingfoiling experiences. Lac Bay is the best freestyle and wave spot on the island, stoked with waves for big airs and tricks.

Are there any not-to-be-missed downwind wingfoil runs in Bonaire?

Of course, we cannot miss the downwind wingfoil on the south coast of Bonaire. Spot: Red Slave is amazing with waves and pure steady winds and long runs in southern sea.

I’ll leave you with the last word?

Wingfoiling is my passion and Bonaire is my favorite wingfoiling paradise. Do you want to improve your wingfoiling skills the easiest way?
Bonaire is your spot!! Visit The Frans Paradise for the best of the best lessons with passions and high quality. Advanced riders, make sure you visit for the unique ride and one of the best experience.

Thank you so much Terence for your answers, it makes us want to pack our bags!

Follow Terence Clappers :
Instagram

More about SIC Maui :
Official website / Facebook / Instagram